TiVo's features for 2009

Hybrid Television Services yesterday announced its aims for the TiVo in 2009, attempting to reposition it as a convergent media device rather than a TV-only product. CEO Robbee Minicola said it was the company’s aim to produce a service rather than a product, insisting that the TiVo “doesn’t want to be just a DVR”.

The company expects to mature its partnership with Blockbuster, with the Movie of the Week service to expand by March into a full catalogue of pay-per-view and advertiser-supported movies from a variety of studios. Sony Pictures is currently the producer of the movies featured on the Movie of the Week service. Seventy-five per cent of TiVo users tried the Movie of the Week service during its debut week, with only 0.1 per cent failing to complete the necessary 1.5GB download.

The question of broadband download limits was also raised, with reports that TiVo was in talks with ISPs to prospectively provide a TiVo Uncapped deal for consumers to allow un-metered downloads, though the specific ISPs were kept confidential.

In good news for couch potatoes, the TiVo will integrate an online portal to the Dominos Pizza Web site some time in early 2009, allowing for doorstep delivery of pizza and other fast-food products. This service is expected to expand for limited grocery shopping on the machine.

During the first quarter of next year, a deal with DMG Radio will allow broadband streaming of the Nova and Vega radio stations. Consumers who purchase the service will possibility have access to additional niche international stations, with kids radio stations slated.

A variety of novelty programs are also slated for release over the next half year, with free content including a PixelEyes program to view photographs from Picasa and Photobucket online photo sharing accounts. Upcoming games on the device, designed to evoke the “nostalgic family board-game” experience, include Sudoku and Wild Pair, a nature-themed card-matching game.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited. Copyright 2013 IDG Communications.
ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

With over 25 years of brand awareness and credibility, Good Gear Guide (formerly PC World Australia), consistently delivers editorial excellence through award-winning content and trusted product reviews.